Rescued After Drifting on an Inflatable at a Beach in Alicante Province

The crew of Salvamento Marítimo de Cruz Roja, specifically the rescue vessel LS Naos based in Santa Pola, conducted an operation this Saturday afternoon that averted what could have been a life-threatening situation for a swimmer. The operation took place in the Alicante town of Guardamar del Segura, where a man was left adrift while aboard an inflatable at one of the beaches in the Vega Baja municipality.

According to information provided by Cruz Roja, the 43-year-old swimmer was enjoying the sea with an inflatable float when a marine current swept him out to sea, significantly distancing him from the shore. Despite his efforts, he was unable to return on his own, causing alarm among those present.

The alert was received by both the emergency number 112 and the Cruz Roja lifeguard team serving the beaches of Guardamar. Immediately, the maritime rescue protocol was activated, and the Salvamento Marítimo vessel LS Naos, ready to intervene from its base in Santa Pola, was mobilised.

Thanks to the swift coordination between emergency services and the efficiency of the rescue team, the swimmer was located and assisted without suffering physical harm. Despite the tension of the moment, the rescued individual was in good health. He was then transported to the port of Guardamar, where he received attention and was evaluated by medical personnel as a precautionary measure.

This incident highlights the importance of following safety recommendations at beaches and the crucial role played by rescue and lifeguard services during the summer season. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers that inflatable use at sea can pose, especially when there are currents or changing weather conditions.

Cruz Roja emphasises the need to exercise caution, avoid straying too far from the shore with floating devices, and always heed the lifeguards' instructions and the warning flags on the beach.